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<p>Biological father absence affects children’s well-being and development, with effects that can persist into adulthood due to associated factors such as economic hardship and psychological distress. In South Africa, where approximately 63% of children are not living with their biological fathers, understanding how this absence affects young people is crucial. This study explores how the absence of biological fathers impacts adolescent boys as they transition into adulthood. The sample for this study was drawn from Tsamaisano, a larger longitudinal study (2020–2023) of 498 young males, some living with perinatal HIV and others who are HIV negative. We focused on 31 participants aged 16–20 who participated in in-depth interviews about their experiences with violence in their households and communities and reported the absence of a biological father in their upbringing. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Four themes emerged: (1) the absence of biological fathers caused emotional pain, leading some participants to self-isolate and/or engage in aggressive behaviors as coping mechanisms; (2) participants perceived a loss of cultural and masculine identities, feeling disconnected from their paternal heritage; (3) they described experiencing poor financial security and limited emotional support, with mothers and other family members sometimes filling in the gaps; (4) despite these challenges, some participants reached stages of acceptance and closure over time, often supported by extended family members providing care. This study highlights the need for interventions targeting adolescent boys that address their emotional, social, and developmental needs, factors that are vital for their overall health and have lasting implications for their adult lives.&#xa0;</p>

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“To Have a Father, Maybe I Was Going to be a Better Person”: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Effects of Biological Father Absence on Young Men in South Africa

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月30日

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  • Campion Zharima,
  • Elton Mboneli,
  • Lerato Tsotetsi,
  • Stefanie Vermaak,
  • Phumla Madi,
  • Busisiwe Nkala-Dlamini,
  • Avy Violari,
  • Rachel Kidman,
  • Amy Hammock,
  • Janan Dietrich

摘要

Biological father absence affects children’s well-being and development, with effects that can persist into adulthood due to associated factors such as economic hardship and psychological distress. In South Africa, where approximately 63% of children are not living with their biological fathers, understanding how this absence affects young people is crucial. This study explores how the absence of biological fathers impacts adolescent boys as they transition into adulthood. The sample for this study was drawn from Tsamaisano, a larger longitudinal study (2020–2023) of 498 young males, some living with perinatal HIV and others who are HIV negative. We focused on 31 participants aged 16–20 who participated in in-depth interviews about their experiences with violence in their households and communities and reported the absence of a biological father in their upbringing. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Four themes emerged: (1) the absence of biological fathers caused emotional pain, leading some participants to self-isolate and/or engage in aggressive behaviors as coping mechanisms; (2) participants perceived a loss of cultural and masculine identities, feeling disconnected from their paternal heritage; (3) they described experiencing poor financial security and limited emotional support, with mothers and other family members sometimes filling in the gaps; (4) despite these challenges, some participants reached stages of acceptance and closure over time, often supported by extended family members providing care. This study highlights the need for interventions targeting adolescent boys that address their emotional, social, and developmental needs, factors that are vital for their overall health and have lasting implications for their adult lives.